The coronation of King Charles III cost UK taxpayers £72 million, according to government figures. This revelation comes despite earlier promises that the event would be a “slimmed-down affair.”
A Hefty Price Tag
While the coronation was marketed as a more modest event, the total cost for taxpayers was significant, especially considering the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which coordinated the ceremony, spent over £50 million. Meanwhile, policing costs added almost £22 million, which were covered by the Home Office.
Public Opinion on the Cost
A YouGov poll conducted the month before the coronation found that 52% of Londoners felt taxpayers should not fund the event. There had been considerable speculation over how much the ceremony would cost, but the DCMS had withheld figures until after the event.
Global Reach and Celebrity Guests
The DCMS report, released on 21st November, revealed that the coronation attracted an estimated global audience of two billion people across 125 countries. The report described the event as a “unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world.”
The ceremony at Westminster Abbey was attended by notable celebrities, including British actors Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, and Stephen Fry, as well as international stars like US singers Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. The Foreign Office confirmed that 90 heads of state attended, along with the first ladies of the United States and Ukraine, representing their respective presidents.
Royal Attendance
King Charles’ youngest son, Prince Harry, flew in from California to attend the ceremony, but his wife, Meghan, and their two children were absent.
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